February 2020 in Books.

Perhaps, right here in the chaos, there are still books to read and you do not have to have answers for everything to be present to the highs and lows and wholeness of a story. And despite not knowing where each chapter will lead, you will feel a little less alone today.

Because this author who has filled the page is sharing her strengths and struggles with you, because you, yes, you, are worthy of quiet moments after long weeks when you thought you would unravel at the seams. Here you are, finding peace right here in the chaos of things.

- Morgan Harper Nicholas

Another month diving into the pages of some wonderful books. February feels like it's passed in a blur. This month saw me reading a romantic styled book for the first time in years, enjoying more books from my local library and being gripped by the different characters I have been introduced too. I read 5 books in February, meaning I am well on my way to reaching my Goodreads challenge this year. Apparently, I'm already 3 books ahead of schedule and with a break to the Lincolnshire Wolds on the horizon at the beginning of March, I am hoping to enjoy lots of reading.

Anyway, let's dive straight into a roundup of the books I read in February.

The Prom by Saundra Mitchell with Chad Beguelin, Bob Martin and Matthew Sklar

★★★

This is the book inspired by the hit Broadway musical The Prom - in fact, it's probably the musical I know least about. The story transitions between two girls; Emma Nolan and Alyssa Greene, both high school girls who want to dance with one another at the senior prom. But in their small town of Edgewater and with the underlying pressure of the local community and Alyssa's mum, that's like asking for the moon. Their individual journeys are really conveyed in this short story and it shows an insight into some of the struggles young people face throughout the world. It was one read I got through quickly as there wasn't a lot to it but I can see why people would be drawn to this book.

Under the Harrow by Flynn Berry

★★★★

Anybody who knows me knows I enjoy a good thriller so Under The Harrow was a random but interesting find in my local library in February. It is based around Nora who goes to visit her sister in Cornwall, expecting to find her waiting at the station it's not until she arrives at her home when she discovers Rachel, her sister is the victim of a brutal murder. It's quite a short book but packs a lot of punch and twists into a typical thriller that definitely makes it a good page-turner. Berry's writing really fits the genre well and this book was right up my street. Under The Harrow is a compulsive read that got me stuck into every bit of the action and I couldn't put it down, helped by the small chapters installed in the book! Definitely a book I would recommend to fellow Thriller book lovers!

Hands down my favourite read of the month with this one! Dr Shepherd has spent a lifetime uncovering the secrets of the dead as one of the UK's top forensic pathologist. He has performed over 23,000 of post-mortems and in this book, he gives us an insight into his profession and some of the cases which have left a mark on his entire life. I couldn't put this book down whatsoever - every bit of it really interested me and I couldn't quite believe what I was learning about post-mortems and the bodies we live and die in. It's a fascinating book and one I saw a lot of hype around, it definitely lived up to it for me.

The Clutter Corpse by Simon Brett

★★★★

This book felt so different from other crime type books I have read before and I still can't put my figure on why? It centres around Ellen, a declutterer. She helps people who are running out of space and she is used to encountering a range of weird and wonderful objects within her field of work. One day she is asked to go to a hoarder's flat in Portsmouth ahead of Nate Ogden's release from prison, he was jailed for murder. What she doesn't expect to find in this flat is the body of a young woman hidden beneath the junk. She has met the woman before and now she is immersed in finding out what happened to her.

This book is short but packs in a lot of twisted motives and personalities for a great crime book. Ellen takes the reigns in telling the story so I definitely feel as if Simon Brett gives us a fantastic insight into her character here. There were definitely moments I felt bored and unmotivated by I'm glad I gave one evening for this read and managed to read 70% of it to finish!

The Flatshare by Beth O'Leary*

★★★★★

I was kindly gifted this book by the publishers (Quercus) last year ahead of its release and for some strange reason, I just didn't pick it up. This year I'm determined to pick up the books from my shelf and get through as many of them as possible. The Flatshare is a fantastic example of light-hearted women's fiction to dive into whilst the weather continues to be awful outside! The book is centred around Tiffy and Leon; two very different people that share one thing in common, their living space. They live in a flatshare and the journey we experience with these two people is endearing and moving.

Beth O'Leary has done a spectacular job in introducing us to the characters within the first chapters, I feel like Leon and Tiffy become people I know on a personal level. She has introduced friendships, a toxic relationship, finding your true love and nailing your career. I loved every moment of this book and although it was quite on the chunky side - it really drew me in and I want to read so many more of her books moving forward! It was definitely another favourite read of mine this month and I would recommend it for everyone to read.